Front power unit mount for boats



Nov. 15, 1960 s. TAYLOR 2,960,057

FRONT POWER UNIT MOUNT FOR BOATS Filed Jan. 26, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 George L. Taylor INVENTOR.

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Nov. 15, 1960 G. TAYLOR 2,960,057

FRONT POWER UNIT MOUNT FOR BOATS Filed Jan. 26, 1959 s Sheets-Sheet a George L. Taylor 1N VEN TOR.

WWW 3% United States Patent FRONT POWER UNIT MOUNT FOR BOATS George L. Taylor, 301 Vermont St, Plainview, Tex.

Filed Jan. 26, 1959, Ser. No. 788,991

7 Claims. (Cl. 115-18) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in power units for boats, and more specifically to a power unit for boats which is intended to be mounted on the forward part thereof.

When fishing in streams and lakes, it is many times desirable that the fisherman be positioned on the bow of the boat in order that he may be in a proper position for casting. When the boat is powered by a propulsion unit which is mounted at the rear of the boat, the necessary control over the boat cannot be obtained. It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a front mounted power unit for boats, which power unit is so positioned whereby it may be mounted on the bow of the boat and readily controlled by a fisherman seated on the bow of the boat.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power unit which is to be mounted on the bow of the boat and project forwardly thereof, the power unit being so secured to a supporting frame carried by the bow of a boat whereby when not in use it may be readily swung to an overlying position relative to the supporting frame and thus stored in an out-of-the-way position where it cannot be damaged.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power unit for small boats, which power unit is particularly designed to be mounted on the bow of the boat and which has associated therewith a seat, the power unit being of such a nature whereby it may be steered and controlled either by ones hands or feet, particularly ones feet so that ones hands are free for fishing.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved mounting bracket for a power unit, such as an electric outboard motor, the mounting bracket being of such a nature whereby the electric outboard motor may be supported in a position forwardly of the bow of a boat when in use and at the same time is so mounted whereby it may be readily swung upwardly and over into an overlying position with respect to the bow of the boat and thus be stored.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved power unit for small boats, the power unit being particularly adapted for use by a fisherman seated on the bow of the boat, the power unit including a supporting frame which is secured to the bow of the boat and which has mounted thereon a seat for the fisherman, there being connected to the supporting frame a mounting bracket which in turn supports a propulsion unit, the propulsion unit having control means so positioned with respect to the seat whereby the propulsion unit may be readily steered either with ones feet or ones hands as is desired.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

ICE

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a bow of a small boat and shows mounted thereon the propulsion unit which is the subject of this invention, the propulsion unit being in an operative position;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the boat of Figure 1 and shows the position of a fisherman while both operating the power unit and in the process of fishing;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the bow of the boat of Figure 1 and shows the power unit in stored position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the supporting frame and mounting bracket taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the line 44 of Figure 2 and shows the manner in which the mounting bracket is releasably latched to the supporting frame;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 55 of Figure 4 and shows further the details of the mounting bracket and the manner in which it is secured in place by the latch means; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the bow of the boat and shows a modified form of propulsion unit carried by the supporting frame.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 a forward part of a boat which is referred toin general by the reference numeral 10. The boat 10 is a conventional type of small boat and includes a bow 12 and a forward deck portion 14. Secured to the forward deck portion 14 and projecting forwardly of the bow 12 is the propulsion unit which is the subject of this invention, the propulsion unit being referred to in general by the reference numeral 16.

The propulsion-unit 16 includes a supporting frame which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 18. The supporting frame 18 includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails 20 which are disposed generally in spaced parallel relation and which have their rear ends connected together by a transverse frame member 22. The frame rails 20 are secured to pads 24 by means of fasteners 26. The pads 24 are in turn secured to the deck portion 14. By removing the fasteners 26, the supporting frame 18, as well as the other components of the power unit 16, may be removed from the small boat 10.

The frame rails 20 terminate at their forward ends in downwardly converging portions 28. The converging portions 28 are reinforced relative to the frame rails 20 by means of gussets 30 and combine to form a hanger. The converging members 28 are connected together as at 32 and have secured thereto a transverse bar 34 which is horizontally disposed and which has mounted on opposite ends thereof footrests 36.

Extending outwardly from upper parts of the converging portions 28 is a horizontally disposed, generally V- shaped bracket 38. The bracket 38 is formed by a pair of straps 40 which converge forwardly and have their forward ends secured to a vertical flange 42 of an angle member 44. The angle member 44 also includes a forwardly projecting horizontal flange 46 which functions as a keeper and which has a vertical opening 48 therethrough.

Projecting upwardly from the forward parts of the frame rails 20 are ears 50. The ears 50 are provided with pivot members 52 which are transversely alined and which serve to mount a link 54 for pivotal movement relative to the supporting frame 18. The link 54, as is best shown in Figure 1, includes spaced parallel rear portions 56 through which the pivot bolts 52 pass. EX- tending forwardly from the rear portions 56 are forwardly converging forward portions 58 which have their forward ends connected together by a transverse portion 60.

The link 54 forms part of a mounting bracket assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 62. The mounting bracket assembly 62 also includes a brackets member which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 64. The bracket member 64 includes a vertically disposed strap 66 which has secured to the upper end thereof on opposite sides thereof forwardly extending cars 68. Secured to the lower end of the strap 66 in a horizontal forwardly projecting position is a flange 70. The flange 70 overlies the flange 46 and is vertically spaced therefrom. The bracket member 64 is secured to the link 54 by means of a horizontal and longitudinally extending pivot member 72, as is best shown in Figure 5. Thus the bracket member 64 may be pivoted about a horizontal longitudinal axis.

Hingedly connected to the bracket member 64 is a mounting bracket which is referred to in general by the reference numeral '74. The mounting bracket 74 includes an upper sleeve 76 which is secured to a rearwardly extending bar 78. The mounting bracket 74 also includes a lower sleeve 80 which is vertically alined with the upper sleeve 76 and which is secured to a rearwardly extending bar 82. The sleeves 76 and 80 are connected together by a vertically extending web 84.

The upper bar '78 is disposed intermediate the cars 68 and is pivotally connected thereto by means of horizon tally disposed, transversely alined pivot members 85. Thus the mounting bracket 74 is mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the bracket member 64 which is in turn swivelly mounted with respect to the link 54.

ln order that the mounting bracket 74 may be locked with respect to the bracket member 64, there is provided a latch which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 86. The latch 86 includes an elongated latch rod 88 which is mounted in a vertical bore 90 alined with the opening 48 in the flange 46. The flange 70 also has an opening 92 alined with these openings. The bar 82 has a similar alined opening 94. The rod 88 passes through the flanges 70 and 46 and the bar 82 to lock the mounting bracket assembly 62 to the supporting frame 18. The latch rod 88 is retained in its operative position by means of a coil spring 96 which is mounted on the upper part thereof and which abuts the underside of the bar 78. An adjustable collar 98 carried by the intermediate part of the rod 88 engages the underside of the coil spring 96. The upper end of the rod 88 terminates in a handle 100 to facilitate the upper movement of the rod 88 so as to release it from the flanges 46 and 70 and the bar 82, as is desired.

Extending vertically through the sleeves 76 and 80 for both rotary and sliding movement is a tubular support 102. The tubular support 102 is provided adjacent its upper end with a collar 104 which is rigidly secured thereto. Secured to the upper end of the support 102 is a control device 106 for the manual control of the power unit 16. Secured to the lower end of the support 102 is a housing 108 which is part of an electric outboard motor 110. The electric outboard motor 110 also includes a driven shaft 112 on which there is mounted a screw 114.

Normally the relationship of the support 102 with respect to the mounting bracket assembly 62 is that illustrated in Figure 1. However, the support 102 may be slid through the sleeves 76 and 80. When the support 102 has an intermediate position with respect to the sleeves 76 and 80, it may be locked in this position by means of a setscrew 116 carried by the sleeve 80.

In order to facilitate the steering of the power unit 16 by ones feet, there is secured to an intermediate part of the support 102 a collar 118 which has extending outwardly therefrom rods 120 carrying footrests 122. Thus, as is shown in Figure 2, a fisherman may rest his feet on the footrests 122 and at the same time steer the power unit 16.

Carried by the supporting frame 18 is a seat assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 124. The seat assembly 124 includes a base plate 126 which extends between and is slidably secured to the frame rails 20. Extending upwardly from the base plate 126 is a base 128 on which there is mounted a seat 130. It is pointed out that the seat 130 is a relatively low seat and may be of this design inasmuch as a person seated on the seat 130* may straddle the forward part of the boat 10 and his legs may dangle on opposite sides of the boat 10. Inasmuch as the seat assembly 124 is slidably mounted, it may be adjusted to the most comfortable position.

The seat assembly 124 also includes a back rest 132. The back rest 132 is secured to the seat 130 by means of uprights 134 which are hingedly connected to the seat by means of the hinges 136, as is best shown in Figure 2. As is best shown in Figure 3, the back rest 132 may be folded to a position overlying the seat 130.

Secured to the transverse frame member 20 and projecting upwardly therefrom is a rest 138. The rest 138 has a bifurcated upper portion 140 for receiving the support 102.

The normal operating position of the power unit 16 is illustrated in Figure 2 and the stored position thereof is illustrated in Figure 3. When not in use, the major portion of the power unit 16 is stored on the deck of the boat 10 so as to prevent damage thereto. In order to obtain the stored position of Figure 3, it is necessary to disengage the latch 86 from the flange 46 at which time the link 54 is free to swing upwardly and the mounting bracket assembly 62 is free to rotate with respect to the link 54. The mounting bracket assembly 62 is then rotated 180 from its position of Figure 5 and at the same time the link 54 is swung upwardly to a generally vertical position, as is best shown in Figure 3. The support 102 may then be engaged with the rest 138.

Inasmuch as the power element of the power unit 16 is in the form of an electric motor, it is necessary that electrical current be conducted thereto. This is accomplished by means of a conductor 142 which opens into the upper portion of the support 102 and passes down therethrough into the housing 108. The opposite end of the conductor 142 will be connected to suitable batteries (not shown) which may be conveniently positioned in the boat 10.

Referring now to Figure 6 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of power unit which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 144. The power unit 144 has the rear portion thereof identical with the power unit 16, but varies therefrom beginning with a modified form of mounting bracket which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 146. The mounting bracket 146 includes an L-shaped member 148 which is pivotally connected to the ears 68 by the pivot bolts 85. The L-shaped member 148 has secured to the upper part thereof a channel cross sectional member 150 which is disposed in depending relation and which has secured to an intermediate portion thereof a block 152. The block 152 corresponds to the bar 82-. The block 152 is adapted to have passed therethrough the latch rod 88.

The member 150 has extending forwardly from the upper part thereof a rod 154 which terminates in a vertically disposed sleeve 156. A second rod 158 extends forwardly from the lower end of the member 146 and supports a sleeve 160. The sleeves 156 and 158 are vertically alined and have extending therethrough a support 162. The support 162 is positioned in the sleeves 156 and 160 for rotation. The vertical position of the support 162 is maintained by a collar 164 which abuts the upper end of the sleeve 156.

The support 162 is tubular and has mounted intermediate the ends thereof and intermediate the sleeves 156 and: 160 a drive unit 166 which has extending outwardly therefrom a pair of cranks 168 terminating in pedals 170.

Extending downwardly through the support 162 from the drive unit 166 is a drive shaft 172 which projects into a housing 174 secured to the lower end of the support 162. The housing 174 has mounted therein a gear unit (not shown) coupling the drive shaft 172 to a horizontally disposed driven shaft 176 supported by the housing 174. Secured to the driven shaft 176 is a screw 178.

In order that the power unit 144 may be manually steered, there is secured to the upper end of the support 162 a manual control 180. The manual control 180 is in the form of a lever which may be readily gripped by ones hands.

From the foregoing description of the power unit 144, it will be readily apparent that it primarily differs from the power unit 16 in that in lieu of an electric motor, there is provided a pedal operated drive unit. Thus a fisherman seated on the seat 130 may actuate the drive unit 166 by operating the cranks 168 through the use of the pedals 170. By controlling the pressure on the two pedals 170, the power unit 144 may be steered with the operators feet. On the other hand, if so desired, the power unit may be manually steered utilizing the control 180.

While it has not been so illustrated, the power unit 144 may be swung to a stored position overlying the forward deck portion 14 of the boat in the same manner as the power unit 16, as illustrated in Figure '3. The rest 138 will support the power unit 144 in the same manner as illustrated in Figure 3 with the rest 138 receiving the support 162.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that there has been devised a very simple power unit for small boats, which power unit may be readily mounted on the bow portion of the small boat and may be operated by a fisherman seated thereon. Thus the power unit is of such a nature whereby a fisherman is logically located for casting and at the same time may maintain a maximum control over the movement of the boat. Furthermore, the power units disclosed hereinabove are of such a nature whereby they may be operated and steered by a fisherman leaving his hands free for fishing.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A forward power unit for boats comprising a supporting frame, means on said supporting frame for mounting said frame on the upper surfaces of a bow of a boat in forwardly projecting relation relative to said bow, at forwardly disposed mounting bracket secured to said supporting frame, a depending support extending through said mounting bracket forwardly of said bow for rotation about an upstanding axis, a housing secured to a lower end of said support, a horizontal driven shaft projecting from said housing, a screw propeller carried by said driven shaft, and drive means connected to said driven shaft, the connection between said mounting bracket and said supporting frame including a hinge whereby said support may be swung from its depending operative position to a generally horizontal inoperative position overlying said supporting frame, and latch means extending between said supporting frame and said mounting bracket for locking said support in said depending operative position.

2. A forward power unit for boats comprising a supporting frame, means on said supporting frame for mounting said frame on the upper surfaces of a bow of a boat in forwardly projecting relation relative to said how, a forwardly disposed mounting bracket secured to said supporting frame, a depending support extending through said mounting bracket forwardly of said bow for rotation about an upstanding axis, a housing secured to a lower end of said support, a horizontal driven shaft projecting from said housing, a screw propeller carried by said driven shaft, and drive means connected to said driven shaft, a seat mounted on said supporting frame, a hanger depending from a forward part of said supporting frame, and footrests carried by said hanger.

3. A forward power unit for boats comprising a supporting frame, means on said supporting frame for mounting said frame on the upper surfaces of a bow of a boat in forwardly projecting relation relative to said bow, a forwardly disposed mounting bracket secured to said supporting frame, a depending support extending through said mounting bracket forwardly of said how for rotation about an upstanding axis, a housing secured to a lower end of said support, a horizontal driven shaft projecting from said housing, a screw propeller carried by said driven shaft, and drive means connected to said driven shaft, a seat mounted on said supporting frame, a hanger depending from a forward part of said supporting frame, and footrests secured to said support whereby the power unit may be steered by foot leaving the hands free.

4. A forward power unit for boats comprising a supporting frame, means on said supporting frame for mounting said frame on a bow of a boat above the water line thereof in forwardly projecting relation relative to said how, a forwardly disposed mounting bracket secured to said supporting frame, a depending support extending through said mounting bracket forwardly of said bow for rotation about an upstanding axis, a housing secured to a lower end of said support, a horizontal driven shaft projecting from said housing, a screw propeller carried by said driven shaft, and drive means connected to said driven shaft, said drive means including an electric motor mounted in said housing.

5. A forward power unit for boats comprising a supporting frame, means on said supporting frame for removably mounting said frame on the upper surfaces of a bow of a boat in forwardly projecting relation relative to said bow and in a horizontally disposed position, a forwardly disposed mounting bracket secured to said supporting frame, a depending support extending through said mounting bracket forwardly of said bow and journaled for rotation about an upstanding axis, a housing secured to the lower end of said support, a horizontal driven shaft projecting from said housing, a screw propeller carried by said driven shaft, and drive means connected to said driven shaft, the connection between said mounting bracket and said supporting frame including a hinge whereby said support may be swung from its depending operative position to a generally horizontal inoperative position overlying said supporting frame, said supporting frame including a pair of downwardly converging members adapted to embracingly engage the sides of the bow of a boat.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said drive means includes an electric motor mounted in said hous- 7. The combination of claim 5, wherein said drive means includes a pedal unit carried by said support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,014,313 Macklind Ian. 9, 1912 2,239,016 Rober Apr. 22, 1941 2,612,859 Billman et a1. Oct. 7, 1952 

